Frequently asked questions

Q 1. Is softplaying a form of cheating?

A 1. Soft playing is like kissing your sister in many ways. It's can be construed as a form of cheating in tournaments or cheating in poker, since you're not trying to break your opponent. Soft playing occurs between friends most of the time. While it can be accepted in headsup situations in cash games, it's a form of cheating in tournaments. The reason is simple, you're not trying to eliminate or hurt the other person, which may be good for both of those involved, but not for the rest of the tournament players.

Q 2. What should I do when I see people softplay or cheat?

A 2. This is a double edged sword at best. The first thing you must realize is you're out numbered and it's your word against the others if you see cheating in poker. There may be more than one. If you say anything out loud, you will be orally attacked. If you go and tell a floorman, you have no idea what the results can be. It's your word, against theirs, or even more. The best advice, remember the players and stay out of games they're in.

Q 3.Can a good player take advantage of other players who do softplay?

A 3.It's possible, but not probable for most people. In cash games, if they're truly slow playing, you can take advantage as these people aren't betting their hands or are betting their hands. What this means, is if they are betting, they telling their friend to get out since they have a hand. If they're not betting, they are most likely weak and you can step in and steal. If they're raising each other back and forth, they are without a doubt cheating in poker and being blatant about it. Best to not play against them. However, situations do occur where you can check with very strong hands and let them try and bet you out of the pot.

Q 4. I have a friend who likes softplaying when we are the two players left in a hand. How should I adapt my game to this? Go more for draws(draw cheaper, but do not get paid off if I make a hand) or big cards?

A 4. I, Russ Georgiev state the following. Softplaying hurts the better players and helps the weaker players. Players will notice when two players are left in the pot and slow play. If they were in the pot at the beginning and left due to betting of one of you, this could cause a problem. It is cheating in poker. So if you're going to be cheating in poker, do it properly.

Q 5. Is pushing antes a form of cheating?

A 5.Some may view it in this manner, however it more of an angle play, meaning someone is taking advantage of someone else. The tighter player gets the best of this. Most casino's don't allow this as some may view it as a form of cheating in poker.

Q 6. Is casino staff often actively involved in cheating or do they just tolerate it? why?

A 6. In all major casino's some of the staff is involved with cheating. It's just so easy to do and it pays more than the job does thru the tipping. Often the casino staff must tolerate it, for they would lose a lot of games and revenue. It fault would be the people that chased the players from the game, which would be you. Cheats will always find a casino that's friendly for cheating in poker. Cheats pay better than casino's, so many people get involved with unethical dealings.

Q 7. What is easier, cheating in an online or live? where can you make more money?

A 7. Cheating in poker is far easier to do in brick and mortar casino's at the high levels. The reason, you have control and can see if someone or thing is working against you. In smaller games, cheating in poker is easier online because there are far more small games to play. You can earn more in Brick and mortar casinos.

Q 8. What happens if you get caught cheating?

A 8. No high stakes poker player has ever been caught cheating in poker. Either high stakes poker players are saints, or a conspiracy exists to stop anyone from catching them. In high stakes poker, players aren't cheating in poker by themselves. Thus, the method of cheating in poker is collusion, almost impossible to prove. Add marked cards to collusion and cheating in poker is like taking candy from a baby. It's also close to impossible to prove who put the marked cards into the game or who benefits from having them in the game. You have to prove someone can read them.

A well known tournament player by the name of Pat Fleming was caught cheating on camera in a tournament by slipping extra chips in. At the time, the person was a very good friend of card Player Magazine owner Barry Shulman. His punishment for being caught cheating in a major tournament in Las Vegas on camera? He was barred from the casino. He was allowed to play everywhere else, except where he was caught. Barry Shulman wrote about this.

Cheating in poker is a constant source of making money in poker, yet not one high stakes cheater has ever been caught. If you really want to make money in poker, you should learn to play and learn how cheating in poker works. The best players in poker, also make the best cheats in poker.

Q 9. What is a holdout?

A 9. A holdout is a person who uses extra card/cards and plays them by switching them in and out as needed. He usually sits next to the dealer and close to the muck in order to facilitate cheating in poker. The reason for sitting next to the muck is to be able to get rid of the extra cards he has should he suspect someone is on to him. Some of these holdout experts use a machine, while others just use their hands. Very effective way of cheating poker. But, the down side it's very easy to be caught on camera or by a person who knows the moves of a holdout

Q 10.Why do some holdouts use a sort of mechanic device? is it worth the extra risk (proof)

A 10.Holdout experts have to make certain moves that professional cheater catchers will recognize. Though these people capable of recognizing them are rare, it's still a giveaway. Most of those seeing this type of cheating in poker will usually just ask the holdout for a piece of the action and not report anything. Those using a machine are not as good at holding out or cheating in poker compared to those who don't use a machine. The risk is far greater for those using a machine, as it leaves no doubt about the person holding out. Holding out and cheating in poker with a machine is far easier, but the risk when caught is far greater. Holdouts are about the only type of people cheating in poker who do not work with a team.